**Next Gen Stat: **Matthew Stafford has a 111.6 passer rating against the blitz this season (3rd-best in NFL).
**Depending on short throws: ** Stafford averages 6.0 air yards per attempt this season (6th-fewest in NFL), per Next Gen Stats.
**No run game: ** Among all team-leading rushers this season, Theo Riddick has the fewest rush yards (357).
**Defense stepping up: **Since Week 8, the Lions are tied for the NFL's best scoring defense (16.3 PPG allowed, tied with Ravens).
**Achilles heel: ** The Detroit defense has allowed opponents to complete 72.9 percent of passes this year (this would set the record for the highest comp. percentage allowed since 1970 merger).